Retail expert Miranda Manjgaladze says artificial price controls are not a real solution to rising food prices. In an interview with “Business Morning,” she argued that the priority should be building a competitive environment, increasing transparency, and developing market-based mechanisms that naturally push prices down.
According to Manjgaladze, one of the most effective approaches is the so-called “Greek model,” which relies on transparency rather than regulation. It is based on an online platform where consumers can compare prices across retail chains in 51 product categories and make informed purchasing decisions.
She noted that the model does not impose price caps or profit limits on companies. Instead, it strengthens competition by making pricing visible to consumers, which in turn pressures retailers to adjust prices in a competitive way. However, she added that implementing such a system in Georgia would require strong digital infrastructure and consistent weekly updates.
Manjgaladze also stressed that reducing prices depends on simplifying supply chains and minimizing intermediaries. She pointed to private label systems and retail-led brands as effective tools, while noting that both retailers and suppliers currently face tight margins, limiting room for further price reductions.
